Diabolical Slipstream install - recent experiences?

[Tannerdc]

Thanks for all that have replied, as my Slipstream is on the way. From what I gather, if I install the soft top first and the Slipstream after....I shouldn't have any problem with putting the top up and down. I know the top wont lock, but I'm ok with that...I just want to be able to use both together.

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[swimman]

For those with their Slipstreams already installed, you can unlock the soft top as follows. Take it out of the box and place on the ground (I did it on grass) and rotate the black piece that houses the lock switch while moving the switch to unlock. It takes some pressure to rotate the black piece as it's spring loaded but is not too hard to do. When you put the soft top on the Jeep, you will then need to rotate the black piece again in order for it to align with the brackets on the roll bar.

However, as you have not installed the Slipstream, it would be easier to install the soft top first, unlock it, and then install the Slipstream.

 

[Bkenyon53]

For those with their Slipstreams already installed, you can unlock the soft top as follows. Take it out of the box and place on the ground (I did it on grass) and rotate the black piece that houses the lock switch while moving the switch to unlock. It takes some pressure to rotate the black piece as it's spring loaded but is not too hard to do. When you put the soft top on the Jeep, you will then need to rotate the black piece again in order for it to align with the brackets on the roll bar.

However, as you have not installed the Slipstream, it would be easier to install the soft top first, unlock it, and then install the Slipstream.

So with the Slipstream installed, you can't lock and unlock the softtop at all? Doesn't it bounce around?

 

[swimman]

So with the Slipstream installed, you can't lock and unlock the softtop at all? Doesn't it bounce around?

I have not driven with it enough as I just installed the soft top but I do suspect it will bounce. I'm currently in discussions with Alan at Diabolical and am assisting him with working through a solution but in the early stages currently.

For now, I plan to put some foam over the tie down brackets where the soft lies on and then bungee or strap down the top so there is no bouncing.

 

[rdrjohn]

With the hard top on, can you open the cover at the hinges?

Yes, here is some pictures with it down, half open (folded over), and full open (folded up)

 

[USMCBK1]

This all doesn't sound very promising.. I purchased and installed the slipstream with my hard top couple of weeks ago, and I'm planning to install the soft top this weekend, I made sure to ask if it works with a soft top, and Alan emailed me and said yes and sent pictures of it as well... I thought since the jl has been out well over a year that they would have all the kinks out by now, and every time I come on this forum there is always talk of minor upgrades "apparently" being designed..for what I paid..(and honestly way too much for what you get in my opinion) , I hope they do right with existing customers... with that being said,, I do love it, looks very cool, and sturdy and its extremely practical, but I was honestly intending on using it with the soft top or no top...I really hope I don't have to return it...

 

[ZeroFox]

Thanks for everyone's feed back. We are working with everyone to find a quick solution.

 

[Bkenyon53]

This all doesn't sound very promising.. I purchased and installed the slipstream with my hard top couple of weeks ago, and I'm planning to install the soft top this weekend, I made sure to ask if it works with a soft top, and Alan emailed me and said yes and sent pictures of it as well... I thought since the jl has been out well over a year that they would have all the kinks out by now, and every time I come on this forum there is always talk of minor upgrades "apparently" being designed..for what I paid..(and honestly way too much for what you get in my opinion) , I hope they do right with existing customers... with that being said,, I do love it, looks very cool, and sturdy and its extremely practical, but I was honestly intending on using it with the soft top or no top...I really hope I don't have to return it...

I feel ya. I was all set to purchase one until that post regarding the unlocking of the soft top. This was checking every box until then. Hopefully, whatever they figure out makes the current owners happy and it doesn't compromise how great of a product it is up until this snag. Come on Diabolical...soft top weather is coming

I know this won't help current owners, but could a hinge installed to open up the side "wing" panels to allow the soft top to seat into that groove or would that just create more of an issue with trying to put the top down?
*fingers crossed*

 

[Waiting]

I don't have a slipstream because I have a 2-door. Hopefully, one will be released in time.
Regarding locking the softop down, I bungee mine to the floor cargo hooks because it bounces and rattles just enough to annoy me. I don't think this is an issue for me.

 

[goofyfootjeeper]

I really want to order one, in fact I have one in my cart right now, but I am a little hesitant because I want to be able to lock my soft top too. I hope it gets figured out because it looks like a great product.

 

[Rubi22]

Mine gets delivered today, I also have the Trektop NX to install with it. When referring to the soft top are y’all talking about the factory one having issues? Since the top and slipstream arrive at the same time which should I install first. I don’t think I should have any issues since my top only retracts to a freedom position.

 

[fightingmajor]

Mine just got delivered. I totally missed the part about having a soft top being an issue. The part that is confusing is it says to bungee cord the top to the tie downs, but says you shouldn't install the tie downs since it will cause damage to the soft top. I'm a bit concerned with the top bouncing around back there on the top of the slipstream that it will eventually leave marks on the soft top.

 

[swimman]

Posted this in another thread the other day.

I want to provide an update regarding being able to lock down the soft top while using the Slipstream,

I purchased the Slipstream a few months ago for my 2019 JLUR. After installing the soft top I noticed the top would not lock down. Upon noticing this, I contact Alan at Diabolical to determine if there was a work around. Over the course of several weeks, I've been emailing and talking with Alan on a resolution.

He is getting closer to putting some things into production which will be a 'work around' for not being able to lock down the soft top. First, the tie down rails will be shortened to approximately 23" so when the soft top is folded, there will be no contact between the soft top and the tie down rails. With the current tie down rails, the soft top sits directly on these two thin pieces of metal which in time, will wear through the fabric. Shortening the rails will resolve this issue and allow the top to sit fully on the top of the Slipstream, and not on the tie down rails.

Second, Diabolical will be producing a soft top cover that will wrap around the folded soft top and hold it in a more compacted fashion, allowing better visibility out the back and keeping the fabric from flapping in the wind. The cover will be able to be secured to the tie down rails thereby 'locking' the soft top in position.

From my discussions with Alan, the shortened tie down rails will be available to current customers at no charge. The soft top cover will be an additional purchase.

Pictures attached of the prototype pieces.
-You can see the end of the tie down rail and how it allows sufficient room for the soft top to lay flush on the Slipstream.
-Soft top cover. Work in progress with some adjustments needed but Diabolical is working with their suppliers to finalize.

 

[fightingmajor]

Posted this in another thread the other day.

I want to provide an update regarding being able to lock down the soft top while using the Slipstream,

I purchased the Slipstream a few months ago for my 2019 JLUR. After installing the soft top I noticed the top would not lock down. Upon noticing this, I contact Alan at Diabolical to determine if there was a work around. Over the course of several weeks, I've been emailing and talking with Alan on a resolution.

He is getting closer to putting some things into production which will be a 'work around' for not being able to lock down the soft top. First, the tie down rails will be shortened to approximately 23" so when the soft top is folded, there will be no contact between the soft top and the tie down rails. With the current tie down rails, the soft top sits directly on these two thin pieces of metal which in time, will wear through the fabric. Shortening the rails will resolve this issue and allow the top to sit fully on the top of the Slipstream, and not on the tie down rails.

Second, Diabolical will be producing a soft top cover that will wrap around the folded soft top and hold it in a more compacted fashion, allowing better visibility out the back and keeping the fabric from flapping in the wind. The cover will be able to be secured to the tie down rails thereby 'locking' the soft top in position.

From my discussions with Alan, these two updates will be included at no charge for current Slipstream owners.

Pictures attached of the prototype pieces.
-You can see the end of the tie down rail and how it allows sufficient room for the soft top to lay flush on the Slipstream.
-Soft top cover. Work in progress with some adjustments needed but Diabolical is working with their suppliers to finalize.

This doesn't solve the issue of the soft top corners rubbing on the top of the slipstream as seem in the last picture. Would you mind posting the link to the other thread?

 

[swimman]

This doesn't solve the issue of the soft top corners rubbing on the top of the slipstream as seem in the last picture. Would you mind posting the link to the other thread?

I really don't think there will be an issue with the soft top rubbing on the top of the slipstream. The same issue would occur while not using a Slipstream and having the soft top rest in the recesses. Even though it is locked down in that case, there is still enough play for it to bounce a little. By shortening the tie down rails, the soft top rests flat against the width of the Slipstream and does not contact the sharper/narrower tie down rails. That was my main issue with the current set up. You will also be able to bungee or secure the soft top to the tie down rails to limit any movement.

The other thread is here - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...m-install-and-review.25474/page-2#post-653136

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